Rivals to clash in Anzac Day match

In a replay of last season's grand final, Waringarri Crows and Ord River Magpies will face-off in the first annual Anzac Day clash between the teams this Friday night.

The concept for the match, similar to the annual AFL game between Essendon and Collingwood, was put forward by Waringarri Crows vice-president Andrew McDonald, who also heads the local RSL.

He said the game would have all the usual pre-match ceremony, including a minute's silence and the Last Post, while a trophy would be presented to the winner and a medal for the best player.

"I love sport and I think what better way to bring the community together on Anzac Day than to have the match between two local rivals?" McDonald said.

"The RSL has sponsored the trophy, which was made by Joe from Joe's Metalwork, and everyone loves to play for a trophy."

"It's also a great initiative because it gets the guys to understand what they are playing for.

"You see in the old wartime pictures and stories on their days off soldiers were playing cricket and they were playing football - we're remembering that tradition of sport and war."

McDonald said the match would become an annual showdown between the two teams and had come with perfect timing leading up to next year's centenary of World War I.

He said the best on ground would display loyalty, commitment, teamwork and courage, words which are inscribed on the trophy, and would be decided by members of Norforce.

"It's going to make for an exciting game and I can't wait for it," McDonald said.

Magpies captain Matt Stubbs said the players were looking forward to the match.

"It's an important day in Australian history and it will be good to have a game like they do in the AFL," he said.

Crows captain Lyndon Brandy said the importance of Anzac Day would "definitely motivate both teams to play harder".

The Crows defeated the Magpies in last season's decider by a nail-biting two points, but will be looking to return to form on Friday night after a shock loss to Warmun Eagles in their last match.

Bounce down is at 6pm.